My wife & I will be staying on Marco Island the first week of August '08. Is there a place I can rent a AI and a regular Hobie kayak (Sport/Outback, etc.) within 40 miles of Marco Island? Any info would be much appreciated. I would like to contact them before we leave.

You'll be in Yakaholic's area. He could probably give you the best advice. I just pass through there on the way to the Everglades. I've been to Estero River Outfitters (they rent). Haven't been to the Naples store, but it's real close to Marco.

I don't have an AI but did get to sail one for a short time. I always read this forum and you guys are just having to much fun with them. I have a Revo with sail and sidekicks. I have done a few of the mods listed here. I have a blast with it. If I lived a little closer to big water I would get an AI. Lake Michigan is about 100 miles away. We have a 165 acre lake in a state part that is 15 minutes from home and the Revo does fine there.

If you're flying into Ft Myers, renting a car, then heading south to Marco Island, you will be going right by Estero. I found the Estero River guys to be more helpful than my dealer in Sarasota. The advantage of renting from the Naples store is if something goes wrong, they're closer.

Make sure the AI you get has the latest updates--the large sailing rudder, new rudder hold down system with pull handles on both sides of cockpit. Make sure masts are tight on mirage drives. Test up/down and right/left rudder operation to make sure lines are still attached ok.